Wide field-of-view microscope based on holographic focus grid illumination

Opt Lett. 2010 Jul 1;35(13):2188-90. doi: 10.1364/OL.35.002188.

Abstract

We have developed a new microscopy design that can achieve wide field-of-view (FOV) imaging and yet possesses resolution that is comparable to a conventional microscope. In our design, the sample is illuminated by a holographically projected light-spot grid. We acquire images by translating the sample across the grid and detecting the transmissions. We have built a prototype system with an FOV of 6 mm x 5 mm and acquisition time of 2.5 s. The resolution is fundamentally limited by the spot size--our demonstrated average FWHM spot diameter was 0.74 microm. We demonstrate the prototype by imaging a U.S. Air Force target and a lily anther. This technology is scalable and represents a cost-effective way to implement wide FOV microscopy systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Holography / instrumentation
  • Holography / methods*
  • Lighting / instrumentation
  • Lighting / methods*
  • Microscopy / instrumentation
  • Microscopy / methods*